Phone 705-745-2273. 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK

Volunteer

From time to time, everyone needs to know there’s someone who will be there to listen. You can be that someone who will make a difference. If you’ve ever faced a challenging time in your own life, you know that having someone to talk to can make all the difference in the world. It can be very lonely and difficult if you have no one who is able to listen. Telecare volunteers are available to listen with understanding and without judgement. From time to time, everyone needs to know there’s someone who will be there to listen. You can be that someone who will make a difference.

What Telecare Volunteers Give

Most importantly, active listening to those in need

Genuine concern for each caller

The promise of complete confidentiality and anonymity

The opportunity to talk about what’s going on; with supportive listening, callers can come up with the best solution for their own situation

Reassurance and emotional support

Renewed hope and courage in difficult times

Information about community organizations that could be helpful

What Telecare Volunteers Gain

Training in active listening techniques and how to address emergency situations

Comprehensive training to develop an understanding of a range of social issues

Skills that many find helpful in their own personal lives

Skills transferable to the work place

The opportunity to make a difference for individuals and the community at large

The satisfaction of providing emotional support for those in need

The opportunity to better understand their own feelings and relationships

Being part of a caring, community-minded team of volunteers

As a Volunteer You Need to Be

A good listener

Able to be non-judgmental, non-directive, accepting and supportive

Emotionally mature and reliable

Able to commit to confidentiality

18 years of age or older

Able to commit to the equivalent of one four hour shift every two weeks.

Willing to participate in on-going training

Committed to the concept of service as recognized in major religions and in our society

Training of New Volunteers

Involves 50 hours of interactive classes. Eligible participants must be comfortable with discussion format and role playing.

Is open to potential volunteers and other interested members of the community.

Is a prerequisite to volunteering with Telecare. Further screening is also required of volunteers.

What our volunteers have to say

It has been invaluable in giving me experience with many populations in Peterborough (elderly, young, mentally ill, shut-ins, people in crisis, suicidal, etc). Everyone needs a listening ear. We really do make a difference with those we serve. I love this work. It is very meaningful and fulfilling.

KG

It’s in giving (your time, your ears, your empathy) to others that you receive the gift of feeling you’ve been able to help another person in some small or big way. Truthfully, as a volunteer I’ve been given more than I’ve been able to give.

WBV

Telecare challenges me in so many ways: to be patient and just listen, to be non-judgemental, and, grateful for the times when I really feel I have helped someone or made them feel better about their life

MC

I’ve had a good life and wanted to give back to society in a small way.